US News and World Report ‘best of’ list includes Shreveport Ochsner LSU Health and WK

Oschner LSU Health-St. Mary Medical Center in Shreveport has been tapped as a 2025 High Performing Hospital in uncomplicated pregnancy maternity care in influential U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The rating carries weight.

U.S. News & World Report may be better known for its lists of colleges and universities, but in 2021, the publication also began rating maternity care hospitals. To be considered, said Oschner LSU Health, the hospital had to submit detailed data on labor and delivery services.

The measures of quality included C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices and reporting on racial/ethnic disparities as well as other data.   

Fewer than half of the hospitals that were evaluated made the list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

“This ranking is a testament to the compassion and expertise of our entire team — obstetricians, nurse practitioners, pediatricians, neonatologists and nurses who care for expecting mothers and their babies,” said Dr. LaTashia Upton, OB/GYN and chief medical officer at St. Mary Medical Center.

“The hospitals recognized by U.S. News as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care showcase exceptional care for expectant parents,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.”

Joining Ochsner on the “Best” list for uncomplicated maternity care is Willis Knighton South and the Center for Women’s Health.